So, uh, for all you lovely people who had been wondering how long it takes someone to get over a bad case of writer's block, the answer is 4 years, 5 months, and 19 days.
I hope you enjoy the long awaited fifth chapter!
For what had to be the fifteenth time that evening, Kiku found himself pacing back and forth in his room, contemplating what he was about to do. His plan was bold and he wasn't entirely sure that he would be able to pull it off. He wasn't even sure if he could trust Matthew with this plan for fear that the boy was actually in cahoots with Kirkland and his reserved nature was just an act. But it was getting so that Kiku was desperate to escape and right now Matthew was his only hope.
A light knock at his door signaled Matthew's arrival and Kiku quickly put any doubts he may have had to the back of his mind before letting the other man in.
"Good evening, Kiku." Matthew said pleasantly as he entered the chamber, carrying with him a bundle of green, satiny fabric.
"Good evening, Matthew-san. I take it everything is alright with you." Kiku greeted, glancing behind Matthew to make sure he hadn't been followed before shutting the door.
"As well as it can be. Um, did you still want to discuss with me your plan?" Matthew asked.
"Of course! Please, take a seat and we can go over it." Kiku said hastily, motioning towards the chair.
"Now," Kiku began once Matthew was seated, "as you may know, in a few days time we will be upon Singapore." Matthew nodded; one of the reasons they were docking was so the cook could see a doctor of some sort.
"The Captain has allowed me to leave the ship, though it would probably have to be with some sort of chaperone…"
"…And you would want me to be the one to escort you…" Matthew said, nodding his head.
"Yes, that is what I had in mind. We would go down to the other side of the island, charter a small boat and sail to Siam. Once there, my sister's fiancé would be able to help us out." Kiku said. On the surface, it seemed simple enough, but Kiku knew that he and Matthew were going to have to do a lot more planning in order to make sure it would work.
"Hmm, I like it except how are you going to convince the captain to let me escort you? He's not going to let you out of sight." Matthew asked. Kiku furrowed his brow in thought. A slow look of realization spread across his face he glanced at the bundle of fabric in Matthew's hands. He stiffened his back and clenched his fist in determination.
"I'm going to have to get him to trust me," Kiku said measuredly, "by giving him what he wants." Matthew cocked his head and shrugged.
"If we want to get out, Matthew-san, we will have to be cooperative as well as a bit sneaky. Take note of the cook's symptoms." Kiku instructed and Matthew nodded in understanding, giving Kiku a look of determination that matched his own.
"I can do that." Kiku smiled; glad to have found a comrade. They shared a smile before hearing the heavy footsteps of Dawkins outside.
"Oi, Frenchy! Cook needs some help cleaning up. Poor devil's tossed all over the kitchen." Matthew blanched, not looking forward to the task that awaited him downstairs. Kiku gave Matthew a sympathetic smile as the boy got up from the chair and handed Kiku the fabric.
"I will see you later Kiku. I suddenly feel my self becoming slightly ill." Matthew said, giving Kiku a knowingly look as he exited the room. Once Kiku heard the heavy click of the door being locked, he slumped down in his chair. It was an incredibly risky plan that rested on his ability to get the pirate to trust him. One miss-step and he'd find himself back at square one.
It couldn't be sudden or Kirkland would know something was amiss, but it couldn't be too gradual, lest he ran out of time. He needed a catalyst, but what? Kiku continued to ponder as he got dressed in the green kimono and waited for Dawkins to bring him to Kirkland. He didn't have long to wait as he heard the door unlock. Kiku stiffened himself and braced himself for the long walk to the captain's quarters.
It was the one called Sampson who had been sent to fetch him. While he was shorter than Dawkins, he was still a hulking man who was a good head taller than Kiku. He greeted Kiku with a lecherous grin.
"Well, if it isn't the Captain's china doll. Captain's requesting your presence at dinner, Miss," Sampson paused, "-ter Kiku." Kiku tried not let his comment get to his pride, especially if he was going to pull this off. He gave the man an icy smile as he moved to exit the room. Sampson grinned before locking the door and grabbing Kiku roughly by the wrist to lead him towards Kirkland's quarters. Kiku winced but allowed himself to be led away, an idea turning in his head.
They were almost to the room when Kiku finalized his plan. He offered up a silent prayer of forgiveness for what he was about to do before slipping a hand behind him to loosen the gold obi just enough so that one sleeve slipped down enough, exposing the porcelain skin of his shoulder and neck. Kiku gave a small cough, causing Sampson to glance back at the other man. He stopped abruptly and looked over at the heavy door that led to the captain's quarters. Deftly, he pulled Kiku closer to him before running his calloused hand over the smooth flesh of Kiku's neck. Kiku tried to suppress the bile that was rising in his throat, reminding himself that this was to ensure his escape.
"Such a shame," Sampson breathed and Kiku had to fight back a grimace at the smell of his breath, "that the Captain gets to have you all to himself." Kiku schooled his features into a coy grin.
"Isn't it?" Sampson smirked, rubbing his thumb against Kiku's wrist. Kiku fluttered his eyelashes, trying to mask the feeling of absolute disgust at the other man. He guided Sampson's hand to his waist and stared up at his broad, bushy face.
"It must be so difficult," Kiku said softly, as Sampson gripped his waist, "on this ship for months at a time."
"Aye, it is…" Sampson said, eyeing his exposed collarbone.
"Its so long between ports…it must get so…lonely." Kiku said, dropping his voice into a sensual whisper. Sampson nodded, swallowing hard.
"And now the Captain has his own personal plaything and you have nothing." Kiku said, looking up at Sampson through his bangs. "How unfair." Sampson growled before grabbing Kiku roughly by the face and crashing his lips into his. Kiku tried to keep from gagging on the stench of Sampson's breath. He just needed to hold this ruse for a couple more minutes. He gave another silent prayer for what he was about to do and slid Sampson's hand down from his waist to his hip. He could feel the man smirk his lips against his and he began to run his hands over smooth silk of the kimono. Sampson, who was losing himself into the kiss, did not hear the door open from Kirkland's room, but Kiku, whose eyes had remained open the entire time, quickly pressed his hands into Sampson's chest and pushed weakly.
"Aw, don't play hard to get now, poppet…" Sampson whispered, stroking his cheek. He was about to dive back in for another kiss when he felt something hard and metal at the back of his head.
"What" Kirkland began, cocking the pistol, "is going on here." Using all his strength, Kiku pulled away from Sampson, who was frozen in fear.
"C-c-captain Kirkland, it's not what it looks like…" Sampson stammered. Kirkland narrowed his eyes and shifted the pistol from the back of his head to just under his chin.
"Do you take me for a fool, Sampson? I entrust you to bring me my greatest treasure and I catch you fondling him outside my door." Kirkland said in a voice that was dripping with venom.
"P-please don't shoot me, Captain Kirkland, I'm sorry. I got carried away…" Sampson pleaded. Kiku slipped next to Kirkland, schooling his features into a look of fear.
"He kissed me, Captain. Said it wasn't fair," Kiku said breathlessly, "that you got me all to yourself." Inwardly, he was pleased at the turn of events. Sampson had acted as a wonderful catalyst and he was going to have his revenge for the lewd comments.
"Is that so, Sampson?" He asked softly, finger stroking the trigger of his ornate pistol.
"N-no-no sir!"
"I should hope not because that sounds like mutiny, Mr. Sampson." Kirkland said dangerously.
"I would never—" Now the pistol was pointed at Sampson's face. Kiku quickly brought his hands up to his nose as the sound and stench of Sampson relieving himself filled the air.
"But you already have, Mr. Sampson. Trying to take the captain's share of the loot. For shame. And now you've just ruined the floor." Kirkland said.
"Please Captain Kirkland, I wasn't—I'll clean it up. I promise…" Sampson whimpered. Kirkland lowered his pistol before calling for Dawkins and Essett. Sampson quickly slid the floor, groveling before the captain. The two men appeared quickly, giving Kirkland matching quizzical looks.
"We got ourselves a thief, boys! Just caught him trying to steal my share of the treasure!" Kirkland announced loudly, wrapping an arm around Kiku's waist. Dawkins gave Sampson a bewildered look while Essett cracked his knuckles.
"You want us to remove his hand?" Essett asked. Kirkland raked his eyes over Kiku, noting the exposed shoulder and loosened obi. He gave Sampson a feral grin.
"Nah," Kirkland began as Sampson sighed in relief, "go on ahead and throw him overboard. I don't have room on this ship for insolence." Sampson could barely sputter out a response before he was forcibly grabbed by Essett and Dawkins and dragged to the main deck. Kirkland quickly guided Kiku back to his quarters and shut the door.
Once they were alone, Kirkland placed the pistol on his desk before striding over to Kiku in order to better examine him. He gently ran a finger over Kiku's cheek before moving down to his shoulder.
"Are you alright, pet?" Kirkland asked, picking up his hands and examining his wrists.
"Yes, Captain." Kiku said, feigning hesitance. Now I can set my plan into action.
"Tell me love," Kirkland asked gently as he led Kiku to the damask chaise, "what happened out there."
"It happened so fast, Captain. One minute we were on our way to your quarters and the next, he was on me." Kiku lied. Kirkland nodded his head before reaching for a bottle of rum and a crystal glass.
"I see." He responded, tipping the heavy bottle and pouring the amber liquid into the glass. He passed the drink to Kiku before pouring himself a glass.
"He said it wasn't fair that you got to have me all to yourself while the rest of them had to wait for port." Kiku said, staring down at his glass. Kirkland gave a sharp exhale before downing the rum.
"Well it seems I can't trust my crew to do the simplest of tasks, so it looks like I will have to escort you around myself." Kirkland said, pouring another glass of rum.
"What about the boy who brings me tea?" Kiku asked. Kirkland raised his eyebrow before snorting.
"Matthew? I raided his father, some French aristocrat, last year. His father got cheeky with me. Such a shame, I wasn't planning on taking the boy but if his father hadn't opened his frog mouth…" Kirkland trailed off, taking a swig of rum. Kiku felt his blood boil, the insolence of that man.
"Anyway, Kiku, I had hoped to have a lovely dinner with you." Kirkland said, placing a hand on Kiku's thigh. Inwardly, Kiku winced at the contact, hoping disgust wasn't apparent on his face. Kirkland smirked before slipping hand between the folds of the kimono and touched the delicate flesh of Kiku's inner thigh. Kiku's eyes widened and flared his nostrils, clenching his fist at the contact.
"So smooth, almost like a woman's." Kirkland murmured, tracing shapes along Kiku's skin. If Kiku weren't so hell-bent on escaping, he would have hit Kirkland with the glass tumbler. The captain slowly worked his hand up the length of Kiku's inner thigh, stopping short before reaching his crotch. Kiku was gripping the glass tightly, afraid that it would shatter in his hand. Kirkland leaned in and pressed his lips against Kiku's before pulling away.
"Come, love, let's eat. We can finish what we started after dinner." Kirkland said, giving a short bark of laughter and leading Kiku over to the table. With a gentlemanly flourish, Kirkland pulled out Kiku's chair and motioned for him to have a seat. Kiku sat primly at the table as Kirkland plopped down in his own ornate chair, smirking at Kiku's disheveled appearance. With a quick snap of his fingers, two men entered the room and set various platters of food down in front of them, neither of them making eye contact with Kiku lest they themselves be thrown overboard like Sampson. Once the table had been set, Kirkland dismissed the men before pouring himself another glass of rum.
There was a heavy silence punctuated with the sounds of dishes clinking as both men at their dinner. Kiku was still trying to get used to the food, though he noticed that tonight's meal was a bit better than last night's. He was almost done with his soup when he noticed Kirkland staring intently at him.
"What it is it, Captain?" Kiku asked, setting down his spoon. Kirkland raised one shoulder in an elegant shrug.
"You're a very dainty eater. Almost like a bird." Kiku could feel his face getting hot.
"I'm sorry, Captain, its just that as a child I was taught table manners." Kiku said tersely. Kirkland chuckled, letting Kiku's comment roll off his back.
"Aye, as was I. Only difference is I don't look quite as delicate when I eat." Kiku glared as he reached for his chopsticks. Kirkland leaned back in his chair and took a swig of rum.
"We're a few days out from port. It'll be good to stock up as well as unload some of this booty. Tell me Kiku, how much do you think this is worth?" Kirkland said, pulling out what appeared to be a rather ornate dagger. It had a carved ivory handle stamped with an emblem that looked like a rising sun.
"My hira!" Kiku exclaimed, jumping up from his seat. Kirkland smirked briefly, before feigning innocence.
"Oh, is this yours? I thought the sigil looked familiar." Kirkland said, twirling it between his fingers.
"My brother," Kiku began through clenched teeth, "gifted me that when I became commander." Kirkland grinned.
"So its direct from the Sun Emperor himself? I'll bet this will fetch a pretty penny at market." Kiku slammed his fists on the table, causing the dishes to rattle. Kirkland smirked before placing the hira back into his pocket.
"Alright, love, I'll make you a deal. I won't sell your knife," Kirkland said, pushing away from the table, "if you'll do me a little favor." Kiku clenched his fists. Kirkland was making it incredibly difficult to execute his plan, but he knew he had to cooperate if he wanted to escape. Besides, he would never be able to forgive himself if he lost the hira Yao had given him.
"What is it, Captain." He spat, not meeting Kirkland's gaze. Kirkland rose from his seat and strode behind Kiku, wrapping his arms around his waist.
"Its very simple," Kirkland said, his breath hot in Kiku's ear, "all you have to do is submit." Kiku felt the color drain from his face.
"W-w-hat?" He sputtered.
"You heard me, pet. I want to feel you beneath me, begging for more. I want to hear you scream my name as I take you on my bed. But most importantly, I want you to ask me for it. I want to hear you say 'take me, captain' as you crawl into my bed. Then you can have your knife back." Kiku shut his eyes, feeling the white hot rage build inside him.
"I reckon we're a good four days from land, Kiku. That should give you plenty of time to come to terms with my conditions. And if you don't, I won't force you, Kiku. I understand you're something of what we in the West call a late bloomer," Kiku could feel the rage about to boil over, "but if you don't, I will sell this dagger for far less than what its worth and make sure that when we dock, you'll remain in your room. Are we clear, love?"
Kiku wanted nothing more than to reach into Kirkland's pocket, grab the hira, and slit the captain's throat, but he knew it would be useless. He was outnumbered and defenseless against Kirkland's crew and they were days away from the nearest port. Kirkland would not rest until he was thoroughly broken, until he was nothing more than a common whore. Kiku resolved right then that he would not be broken and that the would not give Kirkland the satisfaction of taking his mind, even if he had to give up his body. Once he was in his possession of his hira and they were safely in Singapore, Kiku would personally kill Kirkland before making his escape.
"Yes, Captain."